Metal bedstead



F. KUSTERLE.

METAL BEDSTEAD. APPLICATION HLED MAR. 25, 1918. RENEWED SEPT. 30, 192:.

1,41 1,362. Patented Apr. 4, 1922.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK KUST ERLE, OF KENOSHA, WISGONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO SIMMONS COMPANY, OF KENOSHA, WISCONSILT, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE.

METAL BEDSTEAD.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 4, 1922.

Application filed March '25, 1918, Serial No. 224,524. Renewed September 30, 1921. Serial No. 504,498.

To ,al-Z 'ZU/lOl/L it may concern 7 Be it known that I, FRANK. KUs'rnnLn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Kenosha, in the county of Kcnosha and State of \Visconsin, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Metal Bedsteads, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in metal bedsteads and particulzu ly to the corner joint by which the side rail of the bedstead is detachably connected to the corner post. I

The principal objects otthe invention are to provide a construction of the class described which shall be particularly advantageous i-n'the case where a detachable side rail is employed, the construction enabling the useof a plain angle iron rail without a head or other projecting part which would interfere with the nesting together of the side rails for shipping purposes; to provide a construction of the class described which will permit of the revcrsingof the side rail to suit different types of springs or bed bottoms; to provide a construction in which both flanges of the angle iron side rail are forcibly held against the movement due to racking or other stresses to which the bedstead may be subjected; to provide a construction in which such clamping of the angle iron side rail is effected by means of a single force applying member; to provide a construction which will readily accommodate -itscli to slight ii iaccuracics due to variations in the dimensions of the stock or parts made therefrom; to provide a construction which shall be rigid, while being neat in appearance; to 'irovide a construction which shall be simple in designaml economical to manufacture, and in general, to provide an improved metal bedstead construction. of the character referred to.

In the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of my invention. Fig.1 is a fragmentary end elevation oi .niy iniprovcd joint as applied to the angle iron side rail and tubular corner post of a metal bedstead;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the joint;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the joint;

Fig. l is a sectional plan taken on the line 4-4t of Fig. 1; r

Fig. is a section taken on the line 5'4) of Fig. 1;

Fig. is a section taken on the line 6+4) of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a perspective View of the side rail; 1

Fig. 8 is an end elevation of the joint similar to Fig. 1 showing the rail in reversed position; and i Fig, 9 is a plan View of the joint showing the application to a bedypost constructed of square tubing.

Referring to the drawings, 10 represents a bed post construction of round thin-walled tubing, the interior of which is strengthened by means of a substantial liner 11 conformed to fit the inner curved surface of the said tube 10. An outer liner 12 is preferably employed, first in order to strengthen tube 10 and also to provide a fiat OlTlUVEtPCllY facing surface forming the proper abutment for the rear edges of the enclosing frame or housing 18. The housing 13, as to its principal part, is construotedvof sheet metal folded up into an inverted Usshapc as shown best in Fig. 1. The said housing'or casing 13, which encloses or embraces the end of the side rail 14; is held securely against the outer face plate 12 by means of a stamping 15, the outer arms 16 and 17 of which are rigidly united to the sides of the housing 13 by suitable means, suchas rivets 18.

The rear of the connecting member is brought together as shown best in Figs. 5 and (i so that it will pass through slots punched in the liner 11, post 10 and plate 12, the folded ,end 19 of the said stamping being of the necessary shape to provide an eye for a tolded steel wedge 20 driven into the said eye behind. the liner 111.

It will be readily understood by reason of wedge 20 forcing the eye 19 inwardly of the post, the rear edges of the housing 13 will betorced tightly against the outer face of the plate 12 thereby holding all of the intermediate parts rigidly and securely in their proper positions.

The arms 16 and 17 of the; connecting member 15 are formed with lugs 21 and 22 turned over at right angles to lie horizontal and abut against each. other thereby constituting the bottom wall of a rectangular aperture, the other walls of which are formed by the housing 13. Said rectangular opening is of the necessary dimensions to rccciyc the end of the said rail 141 which, it

desired, may be slightly cut away as shown at 23 and 24. in order to enter the said opening. It not necessary that the end of the side rail shall be a particularly good fit in the housing 13 for the reason that other means presently to be described are employed for clamping the end of the side rail,

Referring particularly to Fig. 1, it will be observed that the space within the rectangular cavity of the housing is substantially filled by a rectangular wedging member divided into two separate parts 25 and 26 by a diagonal parting plane 27. The said wedge members 25 and 26 extend substantially the entire length of the rectangular opening in the housing 13, and in the present instance, in order to save metal, are of skeletonized cross section, although it will be obvious that simple triangular prisms of metal could be efliciently employed. The means for operating the wedge members 25 and 26 comprise a single simple clamping screw 28 upon the inside end of which is threaded a wing-nut 29. The outer end of the said clamping screw 28 has an outer head 30 with a square neck 31 fitting a corresponding square aper ture punched in the outer flange 32 of the casing 13 thereby preventing the said screw from rotating whenthe thumb-nut 29 is actuated- The inner flange 33 of the said housing is perforated to loosely receive a sleeve like washer or sliding collar Set which is of the required thickness to prevent the face of the wing-nut 29 from engaging the inner surface of the housing flange '33. It is understood that suitable holes are drilled or punched in the wedge members 25 and 26 to loosely admit the screw 28 and, in addition, to permit the necessary wedging movement of the said parts. 1

Upon inspection of Fig. 1, it will be manitest that when the thumb-nut 29 is tightened the collar 34 will press against the outer face of the wedge member 29, the inclined wcdg ing surface of which will engage the corresponding surface of the wedge member 25, the said wedge member 26 therefore sliding outwardly and upwardly so that its upper limb is forced against the under side of the top flange 35 of the side rail thereby clamping the latter against the top flange 36 of the housing 13. At the same time the outer wedge member 25 is by reason of the direct pressure of the part 26 forced outwardly against the vertical flange of the rail, and said flange clamped tightly against the *vertical flange 32 of the housing 13, hence it will be self-evident that the act of tightening the wing-nut 29 will rigidly secure and clamp both flanges of the angle iron side rail 14:. In Fig. 8 which shows the rail in reversed position, it will be observed that the wedge part 25 is effective to clamp both flanges of the angle iron side rail, the wedge member 1" 26 simply serving to force the wedge part tightly into engagement with the inner surfaces of the flanges of the rail. Thus it will be seen that my construction is effective whether the angle iron side rail be in its normal position as shown in Fig. 1 or in its reversed position as shown in ig. 8.

It will be observed that the upper flange 36 of the housing 13 and the pair of lugs 21 and 22 comprise a pair of opposite abutments for receiving the vertical thrust of the wedge members while the vertical flange 32 of the housing 13 constitutes a third abutment for receiving the side thrust.

In order to tie the two posts of the bedstead end properly together, I preferably employ a cross tie 37 which comprises a length of angle iron, the outer end of which passes through holes punched in the inner flanges 33 and 17 of the housing and the connecting member. The horizontal flanges of the said angle iron member 37 may be secured to the lug 21 by anysuitable means, such as a screw or'rivet 38. It desired, the said end of the angle iron 37 may be reduced in width so as to form shoulders as shown at 39 effective to prevent possible separation of the bottom ends of the flanges 32 and Small flanges or rib like formations 40 on the plate 12 are also effective to prevent such separation.

In order to avoid the necessity of taking out the screw 38 each time the joint is assembled, I prefer to finish the ends of the angle iron side rail 14 with open ended longitudinal slots 41 thereby enabling the end of the angle to be slipped'into the rectangular opening in the housing by slightly slacking off the wing-nut 29. In such case the said side rail. may be securely locked against longitudinal movement by means of a small conical or rounded projection 42 on the inside of the outer flange 32 of the housing, said projection entering acorres )onding aperture 425 punched in the vertical flange of the angle iron 14. Said projection 42 may be conveniently formedout of the metal. flange 32 by means of a suitable rounded or conical ended. punch.

In view of the fact that the mechanical details herein described may be varied considerably without sacrifice of efliciency, it is understood that the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims. 7 a

I claim- 1. A separable connection between a post and a piece of angle iron forming an angle with said post, which comprises ahousing carried by said post and arranged to receive an end of said angle iron, said housing having a pair of opposed abutments and a third abutment, the third abutment and one of the opposed abutmcnts constituting a corner seat for the end of said angle iron, a two-part clamping member arranged between said op Cir posed abutments and within said angle iron, said parts having wed ging engagement with each other, whereby force applied to said clamping member in a direction to move the same towards said third abutment will tend to move said parts thereof respectively towards said two opposed abutments, and means for applying said force.

2. A separable connection between a post and a piece of angle iron forming an angle with said post, which comprises a housing -carried by said post and arranged to receive an end of said angle iron, said housing having apair of opposed abutments and a third. abutment, the third abutment and either of the opposed abutments constituting optional corner seats for the outer corner of said angle iron, a two-part clamping member arranged between said opposed abutments and within said angle iron, said parts having wedging engagement with each other, whereby force applied to said clamping member in a direction to move the same towards said corner seats for the outer corner of said angle iron, a two-part clamping member between said opposed abutments and within said angle iron, said parts having wedging engagement with each other, whereby force applied to said clamping member in a direc tion to move the same towards said third abutment will tend to move said partsthereof respectively towards said two opposed abutments, and a tie-bolt connected to said third abutment and extending through the angle iron and the parts of said clamping member for applying said force.

4%. In a bedstead corner fastening, the combination of a post, a part secured to the post and provided with a rectangular opening extending outwardly from the post, an angle iron side rail in said opening and engaging two sides thereof, and a pair of complementary members in the opening operable by pressure applied thereto crosswise of the opening to engage each other and thereby force and lock the angle iron side rail against the said two sides of the rectangular opening. p 7

5. Ina bedstead corner fastening, the combination of a post, a part secured tothe post and provided with a rectangular opening extending outwardly from the post. an angle iron side rail in said opening and engaging two sides thereof, and a pair of complementary members in the opening operable by pressure applied thereto crosswise of the opening to wedgingly engage each other, and thereby force and lock the angle iron side rail against the aforesaid two sides of the rectangular opening.

6. In a bedstead corner fastening, the combination of a post, a housing on said post pro ided with a substantially rectangular opening therein, an angle iron side rail having its end inserted in said opening and its outer side surfaces in engagement with sides of said opening, a pair of mating members wedgingly engaging each other substantially triangular in cross section and having sides substantially parallel with the sides of said opening, one of said members having adj acent sides substantially at right angles and parallel with the walls ofsaid opening, one of said sides engaging said angle iron and the other the housing, the other wedging member having a side engaging another side of said angle, the arrangement being such that pressure mutually applied to said wec ging members in the same direction transversely of the angle iron causes a spreading apart thereof, and means for applying such pressure.

7. In a corner fastening for metal bed- ,steads, the combination of a post, a member on said post provided with a 3-sided seat in the shape of a channel, the web of which is vertical, anangle iron side rail arranged to fit within an angle of said channel, a clamping member engaging the inside of the vertical leg of the angle and the horizontal side of the seat remote from the horizontal leg of the angle iron, and a second clamping member engaging the inner surface of a hor- .izontal leg of the angle iron and wedginglv engaging the first clamping member where by pressure applied in a direction transversely of the angle iron tends to force the said second clamping member towards the first clamping member and said clamping members respectively towards the horizontdl leg of the angle iron and. the opposite side of the channel.

S.-In a corner fastening for metal bed steads, the combination of a post, a member on said post provided with a FE-sided seat in the shape of a channel, the web of which is vertical, an angle iron side rail arranged to fit within an angle of said channel, a clamping member engaging the inside of the vertical leg of the angle and the horizontal side of the seat remote from the horizontal leg of the angle iron, a second clamping member engaging the inner surface of the horizontal leg of the angle iron and wedgingly-engaging the first clamping member whereby pressure applied in a direction tending to force the said second clamping member towards the first clamping member will tend to'force said clamping members respectively towards the horizontal leg of the angle iron and the opposite side of the channel, and a member extending through said clamping members, said angle and the web of the channel for applying said pressure.

9. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a socket, an angle iron side rail, having the end thereof inserted in the socket, a locking device in the socket comrising a pair of members Wedgingly engagmg each other, and a threaded member extending transversely of the angle iron and adapted to regulate thewedge action of said members to efi'ect pressure simultaneously against both flanges of the angle iron-for locking the latter in the socket.

10. In a structure otthe class descril'ied, the combination of a socket, an angle iron having an end inserted in the socket, and means for locking the end of the angle iron in the socket comprising a pair of separable members, and means for forcing the separate members inwardly from one side of the socket and thereby separating and forcing said members toward the other walls of the socket whereby pressure is applied to both flanges of theangle iron and the latter clamped in the socket.

11. In a structure of the class described, the combination ofa rectangular socket having the end of an angle iron inserted therein.

a pair of relatively movable members in the socket, and means for drawing said members toward one side of the socket and thereby spreading said members against other walls of the socket for clamping the angle iron in the socket.

12. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a post having a rectangular socket extending laterally therefrom. an angle iron having an end inserted in the socket, a pair of wedge blocks in the socket, and a threaded member extending transversely of the angle iron through the wedge blocks for forcing the latter away from one wall of the socket and thereby operating the wedge blocks to exert pressure a ainst, the

other walls of the socket so as to clamp both flanges of the angle iron against the walls of the socket.

13. In a corner fastening, the combination of a longitudinal member having a socket extending laterally therefrom, said socket comprising an intermediate wall, and two spaced walls extending angularly from the intermediate wall, an angle iron fitting the angle between the intermediate wall and either of the other walls, and a pair of relatively movable parts actuated by movement toward the intermediate wall to expand toward both of the other walls, and thereby lock the angle iron in either angle of the socket.

l i/In a corner connection, the combination of a post having a laterally extending socket, an angle iron having the end thereof inserted in the socket, a pair of relatively movable locking members in the socket for clampin the angle iron therein, and a horizontal threaded member extending transversely of the angle iron for operating the relatively movable members to clamp the angle iron in the socket.

15. In a corner fastening, the combination of a socket, an angle iron adapted to be inserted in the socket, and locking means in the socket comprising a plurality of relatively movable members adapted to be operated collectively in one direction, to effect relative movement thereof for clamping the rail in the socket.

16. In a corner fastening, the combination of a socket, an angle iron adapted to be inserted in the socket, and means for lockingw members collectively in a direction transversely of the rail and thereb effecting relative movement of said mem ers trans versely to the first mentioned direction to clamp end of the rail in the socket.

18. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a post having a U-shaped member secured to the wall thereof with the legs of the U-shaped member extending lengthwise of the post. a cross-bar extending laterally from the U-shaped member and having an end thereof extending between and connecting the legs of the U-shaped member together to provide a socket between said end and the closed end of the U-shaped member, an angle iron having the end inserted in said socket, and a clamping device adapted to exert pressure against said end of the cross-bar, the closed end of the U-shaped member and one of the legs thereof for locking the end of the angle iron in the socket.

19. In a structure of the class described,

the combination of a tubular post. a U- shaped bracket at the side of the post having the legs extending lengthwise of the post, a connector on the bracket inserted through the Wall of the post for securing the bracket thereto, said connector being provided with means extending between the legs of the bracket and spaced from the closed end thereof to afford a socket, an angle iron having an end inserted in the socket, and a clamping device in the socket for locking the angle iron therein.

20. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a bed post, a sheet metal strip bent in a U-shape to provide a bracket with spaced legs connected together at one end, and having the legs extending length wise of the post, a connector secured to the legs intermediate of their ends and having a portion thereof inserted into the post and locked therein for holding the bracket onto the post, a transverse bed rail extending laterally from the post and having the end projecting between and co-operating with the connector to unite the legs of the bracket, an angle iron having an end inserted in the bracket, and means for clamping the angle iron therein.

21. In combination, a )ost provided with a laterally extending soc et having opposed upper and lower abutments and a side abutment forming with the two first mentioned abutments upper and lower corner seats, an angle iron side rail provided at its ends with open ended slots extending longitudinally back from its flange ends, said rail being longitudinally insertable in said socket so as to place a slotted flange end in engagement with said side abutment and with its corner seated optionally in either of said seats, a bolt inserted through the side abutment and carried thereby and extending through said slot whereby said angle iron may be withdrawn longitudinally from the socket without removing said bolt from the socket, and means on the inside of the angle iron operable by said bolt in either position of the angle iron, for clamping the angle iron in the socket by pressure tending to force the corner of the angle iron into whichever seat it occupies.

FRANK KUSTERLE. 

